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Last year Sofia Condon became a part of a small group of Minnesota high school girls to pole vault over 13 feet in what even she said was "a complete surprise". This track and field season the Anoka standout is one of our athletes to watch and one who could be a potential record-breaker.
We at MileSplit Minnesota caught up with Condon to talk about the upcoming track and field season, her 13' 6" pole vault, and the future.
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How did you first get involved with track and field?
I have always had some interest in track and running. When I was in elementary school, I did recreational track for a few years. I didn't get into track seriously until I was in 8th grade and started vaulting . Like many vaulters I have a background in gymnastics; I did gymnastics for 14 years. I was told many gymnasts go into the pole vaulting and I thought it sounded fun and wanted to try it too.
You dabbled in running cross country in 2017, why not stick with it?
I have always been one for trying different sports. I actually really enjoyed cross country, but only did one season due to my heavy involvement in gymnastics. The time commitment required for gymnastics made it challenging for me to fully commit to both sports.
You vaulted 13' 6" at last year's Flight Deck High Pines Street vault in Roseville. How did it feel to accomplish such a vault?
It was a complete surprise. Going in I didn't have high expectations. I had just finished working an 8-hour shift, and didn't have any of the poles I needed. I was fortunate to be able to borrow poles from other vaulters. To jump 13'6" under those circumstances felt amazing, particularly after reaching my season goal of 13 feet at the USATF regional track meet just a few weeks earlier.
You are one of six Minnesota girls to ever vault over 13 feet as a high schooler. How does it feel to be a part of such an exclusive group of girls?
Being a part of such an exclusive group of girls who have vaulted over 13 feet as a high schooler in Minnesota is an incredible honor and a feeling of great accomplishment. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into my training and my passion for the sport.
What training and practice enabled you to jump such a height?
Minnesota climate makes it challenging to get a lot of practice time in. When the weather is nice, I practice as much as my coach allows me to. My coach has been a key part of my success. He is out there for hours a day coaching me and supporting me. As my skills develop, he works to find the new poles I need to reach new heights
You committed to the University of Minnesota for track and field, how did you come to commit there?
I love the idea of representing my home state. I plan to pursue a degree in engineering and the University of Minnesota has a great program. When I went for my visit I had the opportunity to meet the coaching staff and see the facilities, it just felt like a good fit. Coach Sowa and Coach Caroline seem great to work with.
Were there any other schools you considered?
I talked to several other schools, but I wasn't finding the right combination of athletics and academics that I was looking for. In addition, the idea of being able to represent my home state was something that had always wanted to do.
Going into the 2023 track and field season, what would you like to accomplish?
My goal is to always improve. With that said, since I cleared 13'6", my goal for next season is to break 14 feet. I also am going to focus on keeping a positive mindset even when things don't always workout. That's
The state record is 13" 11.25" by Julia Fixsen, do you think you can break that record?
Julia is a great vaulter and someone I have looked up to since I first started vaulting. She was a senior in my first year of vaulting. I watched her vault and I was so amazed. I never thought I would be even close to that. Now that I am a senior and getting closer to her great heights, it is exciting. If I continue to work toward my personal goal of 14', it is possible to break the state record.
What has been your favorite memory as a high school athlete so far?
There have been so many unforgettable times throughout track. I have had many exciting points in competing, but some of my best memories come from the bus ride home with my team. Taking silly pictures and playing random made-up games in an effort to keep ourselves awake for the long ride home has created memories I will take with me forever.
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